A new survey reveals an astounding 708 seals have been spotted in the Thames
Estuary during the first ever count by air, land and sea carried out by the
Zoological Society of London (ZSL).

Conservationists and volunteers took to the river, air and solid ground to count the number of grey and harbour seals along the Thames in the most comprehensive survey ever conducted.

ZSL’s conservation scientist Joanna Barker says the broad approach will produce the first complete count of harbour seals in the Thames and south-east coast. The count will allow conservationists to accurately monitor the species to better understand and protect them.

The timing of the survey coincides with the annual seal moult, when harbour seals shuffle onto sandbanks to shed their coat and grow a new layer in time for colder winter months. Seals on land are easier to spot, providing the ideal opportunity to count them.

ZSL’s interactive Seal Map shows the results from this survey. So far the counters have logged 708 seals.

Stephen Mowat, ZSL’s Thames Projects Manager says: “The harbour seal population in south-east England is the least understood in the country. As well as the survey, we are urging members of the public to report sightings of seals and other marine mammals to us.”